“I know.” She smiled then. “It would appear that you will be my brother now.”
“So when are you going to put him out of his misery and tell him?” Case asked.
“Tonight, I am going to tell him tonight.” She twirled around merrily. “I love him!”
“You deserve to be happy, Jilly,” he said softly, catching her hand as she twirled again. “And now I should return you to the ballroom before Justin decides to call me out.”
He turned to go but Jillian laid her hand on his arm. He turned back to her, looking questioningly at her. “I just wanted to thank you,” she said quietly, her eyes bright with unshed tears. “I could not have endured the last year without your support.”
To his surprise she launched herself into his arms, hugging him tightly. He gathered her close in his arms, holding her as tightly as she was holding him. “People are staring,” he said, looking over her head to see the other occupants of the room looking askance at them.
“Propriety be damned,” she said, her voice muffled by his overcoat. “Your friendship is more important than what they think.”
He smiled fondly at her as she drew away. “Come now. Let’s return you to your future husband.”
“Devlin!” Lady Bea called out as Case and Jillian returned to the ballroom. “Come help an old lady with the announcement.” She held out a hand to him as she drew abreast of them.
“I would be honored, my lady,” Case said with a bow. He took her hand and tucked it under his arm.
“Come along Jillian, this is the big moment,” she said.
Jillian followed them to the center of the ballroom where Justin was already standing. Lady Bea signaled the orchestra to stop. “You do the honors,” she whispered to Case.
Case raised his hands. “My lords, ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention.” Conversation died on all sides, as everyone turned to look at Case. “I have the distinct honor to announce the engagement and upcoming marriage of my brother, his grace, the Duke of Whittington, to Jillian St. James, the former Countess of Penroth.”
A collective gasp echoed through the ballroom followed by the buzz of excited chatter. Lady Bea motioned to the orchestra and the first strains of a waltz filled the room. Justin pulled Jillian into his arms, and the crowd of people backed away to provide room for the couple to dance.
Case smiled as the two glided around the floor. They were a striking couple. Women watched in envy as Justin gazed adoringly down at Jillian, and men looked appreciatively at Jillian.
A footman appeared at Case’s side and handed him a folded piece of paper. “My lord, this arrived for you a moment ago.”
Case flipped open the missive and read the contents. He folded the note and slipped it into his coat pocket and made his way through the crowd once more.
###
“Justin, I must speak to you tonight,” Jillian said as the two whirled around the floor.
“I look forward to it,” he murmured, a wicked gleam in his eye.
“Will you see me to my room after the ball, your grace?” she asked mischievously.
“Indeed, my lady, I am ever your faithful servant.”
“Oh, I shall remember that, your grace.”
“The dance ends, my lady. It is time to face thehaute ton.”
They were immediately besieged by well-wishers and a barrage of congratulations. When they finally managed to make their way to the refreshment table, Lady Bea was waiting for them, a look of concern marring her face.
“Lady Bea, is something amiss?” Jillian asked.
Lady Bea looked up at Justin. “Your grace, Lord Case came to me a moment ago to say he was taking his leave. Said there was something he must attend to, but when he turned to leave, this fell from his waistcoat.” She held out a folded piece of paper for Justin to read.
I have found Granger. Meet me at
the East Street dock at midnight.
I believe I have other information
